3 Positives & Negatives from Arsenal's 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest

3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest

By Toby Hill | Oct 31, 2022

Arsenal's English midfielder Reiss Nelson (L) celebrates with Arsenal's English defender Ben White (R) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 30, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian Kington / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side bounced back from the Europa League defeat against PSV Eindhoven with a jubilant 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

After only five minutes, Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring before a double from Reiss Nelson, a scorcher from Thomas Partey, and a sublime goal from Martin Odegaard completed Arsenal’s five-star performance.

Of course, there are plenty of positives to pick out, but in Arsenal’s biggest Premier League home win since Arsene Wenger left the club, it was always going to be difficult to pick out three negatives.

3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest

However, no performance is ever perfect: here are three positives and three negatives of Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Positive #1 – Reiss Nelson’s delightful double

Everybody loves Reiss. pic.twitter.com/z9dO1sD5CB
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) October 31, 2022

In his first Premier League appearance of the season, Nelson scored twice to add comfort for the hosts. At 1-0, Forest were in the game; whether it be a set-piece or a rogue attack, Arsenal could not afford to concede.

Nelson’s goals came at a perfect time though. Just after the second half had started, the former Feyenoord loanee glided past the Forest defence before slamming a shot at Dean Henderson. Despite having his first effort saved, Nelson was quick to fire in the rebound.

This match was a chance for the 22-year-old to prove himself and it’s safe to say he did. Arsenal fans have always had hope for Nelson and, if he can perform like that consistently, he may just fulfil that potential.

Negative #1 – Bukayo Saka’s injury

Just as this match was a blessing for Nelson, his fortune came at Saka’s expense. The England international had started the game superbly but he was forced off before the 30-minute mark with an ankle injury.

This comes at a worrying time for both Arsenal and England fans. The 21-year-old has played a crucial role in Arsenal’s successes this season and, with the World Cup just around the corner, a significant injury would be damaging to both sides.

Continued on the next slide…

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